Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • OPINION: Maduros fall: the arrival of warfare of algorithm
    OPINION: Maduro's fall: the arrival of warfare of algorithm In the early hours of Jan. 3, 2026, Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro was captured and taken away by U.S. special forces. At first glance, it looked like another dramatic military raid. In reality, it marked something far more consequential: the moment a dictator was hunted down, located and neutralized not primarily by soldiers, but by data. This was not just the fall of a regime figure. It was the execution of what I would call the world’s first “digital death sentence” — a takedown carried out by algorithms, networks and artificial intelligence long before boots touched the ground. In markets and media, attention quickly turned to the technologies that may have enabled the operation. Palantir’s AI analytics platform Gotham and Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network were widely cited as possible tools. The speculation was telling. The idea that satellite connectivity, pattern-recognition algorithms and real-time analytics could track electricity usage, communications traffic and behavioral routines — and convert them into arrest coordinates — no longer sounds like science fiction. It sounds like doctrine. I call this “Cheonmang warfare,” borrowing from the ancient saying: “The net of heaven is vast; though its mesh is wide, it lets nothing slip.” What we are witnessing is the return of that idea, updated for the 21st century — a form of digital neo-imperial warfare where no individual, no state, can hide once caught inside the net. Peter Thiel and Alex Karp: War philosophy written in code This net did not emerge accidentally. Its intellectual architecture can be traced to Silicon Valley figures such as Peter Thiel and Alex Karp, the founders of Palantir. In Zero to One, Thiel famously wrote that “competition is for losers.” That line reads differently when applied to warfare. War, in this worldview, is not a contest between equals. It is the enforcement of monopoly — overwhelming dominance achieved through technology an adversary cannot replicate or counter. Alex Karp has been even more explicit. In his book The Technological Republic and in repeated public lectures, he argues that democracy must be defended with “hard” technological power. AI, surveillance and data fusion are not morally neutral tools, he insists; they are weapons in a civilizational struggle. Values, in his framework, must be protected by sharp instruments. Palantir’s Gotham system has already demonstrated its effectiveness in Ukraine, where it reportedly analyzed real-time data relationships to help map Russian troop movements and support precision strikes. Warfare, as I see it, is no longer about occupying territory. It is about controlling the invisible network that governs perception, coordination and will. Elon Musk and Starlink: The empire’s nervous system If Palantir is the brain of Cheonmang warfare, Starlink is its nervous system. Tens of thousands of low-Earth-orbit satellites have stitched the planet into a continuous communications mesh. The implications are staggering. Whoever controls that mesh can observe, prioritize, disrupt or restore connectivity in real time — a power that can exceed that of sovereign states. Musk’s role goes beyond infrastructure. In the second Trump administration, he led the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, dismantling bureaucratic layers and replacing them with algorithmic systems. Government itself is being rewritten as software. In this model, Palantir analyzes, Starlink transmits, and the state executes. Administration becomes computation. Power becomes code. U.S.-China rivalry and the petrodollar The backdrop to Maduro’s fall was not just oil. It was currency, systems and control. Under Maduro, Venezuela expanded yuan-denominated oil transactions with China, directly challenging the petrodollar system. That was intolerable. The removal of Maduro sent a message far beyond Caracas: those who attempt to defect from the dollar-based order risk being caught, mapped and erased by a technological net. Officially, Washington frames the operation as a judicial pursuit tied to drug trafficking and terrorism charges dating back to 2020. Strategically, the signal is unmistakable. The rivalry with China has moved beyond tariffs and trade. It is now a contest over who controls the world’s operating system. Xi Jinping’s response: Intelligent warfare and the data Great Wall China has understood the message — and is responding in kind. Beijing has declared “intelligent warfare” a national strategy, pushing to AI-enable every military domain, strengthen theater-level command systems and build what I would call a “data Great Wall.” The goal is simple: ensure U.S. algorithms cannot see inside China, while developing China’s own intelligent command and control platforms. Russia, meanwhile, is pursuing a different path — electromagnetic disruption and electronic warfare designed to blind satellites, scramble algorithms and recreate a synthetic fog of war. The world is entering an intelligent Cold War: a U.S.-led transparent net versus China and Russia’s opaque barriers. South Korea’s dilemma: Technology sovereignty or dependency So where does South Korea stand in this clash of technology empires? Musk has warned that South Korea’s demographic collapse could lead to national decline. Read differently, it sounds like an invitation — fill the gap with U.S. AI, U.S. robots, U.S. systems. Become a node inside someone else’s net. That would be a fatal mistake. South Korea’s true strategic leverage lies in semiconductors. HBM4 and next-generation chips are not just commercial assets; they are strategic weapons. Without them, Palantir’s brain stalls. Starlink’s nerves go numb. This is semiconductor deterrence. South Korea must pursue a centrist strategy: interoperable with U.S. systems, but anchored in sovereign AI, sovereign data and independent decision authority. Participation without subordination. Alignment without absorption. An emperor weaves his own net The Cheonmang warfare is already here. Borders drawn by lines on maps are losing relevance. Power now belongs to those who control the densest, most precise networks. In an order conceived by Thiel, executed by Musk and declared by Trump, South Korea faces a clear choice: remain entangled in someone else’s net, or learn to weave its own. Those who control data command power. Those who control algorithms become rulers. This is not theory. It is the reality I am witnessing — and the warning I record in 2026. The author is a senior columnist of the Aju Business Daily. About the author: ▷Korea University, philosophy ▷Ph.D. in political science, Chung-Ang University ▷Reporter, Donga Broadcasting and Shindonga ▷Board member, EBS ▷Board member, Yonhap News Agency ▷Member, Press Arbitration Commission ▷Emeritus professor, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Gachon University ▷Honorary director, Gachon University CEO Academy ▷Strategic thought researcher * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-11 09:48:02
  • Kim Yo Jong demands detailed explanation on S. Korean drone infiltration
    Kim Yo Jong demands detailed explanation on S. Korean drone infiltration SEOUL, January 11 (AJP) -Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, on Sunday reiterated that it was “clear” a drone from South Korea violated North Korean airspace and demanded a detailed explanation from Seoul. In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim said “the essence of the situation is not whether the actor is the military or a civilian,” arguing that South Korean authorities cannot evade responsibility for what she described as a violation of sovereignty. Kim serves as the Deputy Department Director of the Publicity and Information Department of the Workers' Party of Korea. She said the drone had an intelligence-gathering purpose, claiming it carried recorded images of a uranium mine and North Korean border posts. At the same time, Kim approved of the prompt response from the South Korea’s Defense Ministry, saying she personally viewed it as “a wise choice for survival” that Seoul declared it had no intention of provoking or stimulating North Korea. At the same time, she warned that if South Korea “chooses provocation” again, it would face a “terrible situation” it could not handle. North Korea has claimed that South Korean drones infiltrated its territory on Jan. 4 and again in September last year. South Korea’s Defense Ministry has denied operating drones on those dates and said it would thoroughly investigate whether civilian drones were involved. On Saturday, President Lee Jae Myung presiding the National Security Council meeting ordered the formation of a joint military-police investigative team to examine the possibility that civilians flew the drones. If confirmed, such actions would constitute a serious crime threatening peace on the Korean Peninsula and national security, the presidential office said. The Defense Ministry reiterated that the drones were not part of military operations and pledged a comprehensive probe into possible civilian involvement, as Seoul seeks to prevent further escalation amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. 2026-01-11 09:25:28
  • OPINION: Focus on Kazakhstans agriculture and development of remote areas
    OPINION: Focus on Kazakhstan's agriculture and development of remote areas SEOUL, January 10 (AJP) - President Tokayev Meets with Mayors of Local Governments Last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed a dialogue platform for rural akims (mayors), outlining his vision for the long-term development of remote areas. Kazakhstan’s Political Reforms: Evolution Instead of Shock Change President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is implementing a large-scale transformation of Kazakhstan’s political system by pursuing an evolutionary path of development based on institutional reform and a carefully calibrated sequence of actions. Since 2019, Kazakhstan has adopted around twenty laws aimed at modernizing its political system. Following a nationwide referendum, constitutional amendments were introduced that redistributed powers among the branches of government. The role of Parliament was strengthened, the accountability of the executive branch was enhanced, and new judicial institutions were established, including the Constitutional Court and cassation courts. A defining feature of these reforms has been their focus on practical outcomes. Democratic mechanisms are viewed not as formal procedures, but as tools for improving the quality and effectiveness of public governance. This approach reflects a clear understanding that political stability and legal predictability are critical to sustainable development. Kazakhstan’s experience demonstrates that profound political transformation is possible without abrupt disruptions, offering an alternative model of reform in an era of global uncertainty. The introduction of direct elections of rural akims has become one of the most significant reforms in Kazakhstan’s system of public administration. This process was implemented gradually over five years, allowing the country to avoid governance disruptions and to adapt institutions to new conditions. More than 2,300 rural akims have been elected nationwide, with an average age of 43. Notably, around one-third of them had no prior experience in public service. The reform has stimulated the development of political parties in the regions and expanded opportunities for independent candidates. According to sociological surveys, the level of trust rural residents place in their akims exceeds 80 percent, indicating increased efficiency and transparency in local governance. By launching democratization at the grassroots level, Kazakhstan is building a sustainable foundation for the further expansion of citizen participation in decision-making processes. Why Rural Development Has Become a Strategic Priority for Kazakhstan The President of Kazakhstan views the development of rural areas as a matter of strategic importance that goes beyond social policy. Rural regions play a key role in ensuring food security, social stability, and balanced territorial development. In recent years, under the personal oversight of President Tokayev, hundreds of healthcare and educational facilities have been built in rural areas, while access to digital infrastructure has been significantly expanded. State support for the agricultural sector has contributed to strong growth in gross agricultural output, which has exceeded 8 trillion tenge (15.73 billion USD). Particular emphasis is placed on increasing the economic self-sufficiency of rural districts, developing cooperation mechanisms, and supporting entrepreneurship. The primary objectives are to create sustainable jobs, reduce regional dependence on budgetary transfers, and improve living standards. Thus, Kazakhstan’s rural policy has become an integral component of its long-term national development strategy. It was within this framework that the decision was made to introduce a system of direct elections of rural akims. Over the past five years, the reform has been implemented in stages. As a result, more than 2,300 rural akims have passed through the electoral process, with only 30 percent coming from the public service system, while the majority represent political parties or were elected as self-nominated candidates. Kazakhstan has demonstrated a progressive approach to democratizing the executive branch to the international community and has empowered citizens to directly manage local affairs. Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence: Why Kazakhstan Is Acting at an Accelerated Pace The President of Kazakhstan has set an ambitious goal: to transform Kazakhstan into a fully digital state within three years. In his address at the dialogue platform of rural akims, President Tokayev emphasized that digitalization is not merely a technological direction, but a strategic factor for the country’s survival and development. He stressed that building a Digital Kazakhstan is impossible without the full integration of rural areas and the agricultural sector. Digital platforms are expected to become key instruments for improving governance efficiency, enhancing the quality of public services, and enabling more accurate allocation of resources. Kazakhstan clearly recognizes the risks of technological lag. Accelerated modernization is therefore viewed as a means of avoiding marginalization in the global knowledge-based economy. The use of digital platforms and artificial intelligence technologies opens new opportunities for improving the efficiency of budget allocation, monitoring agricultural production, forecasting yields and risks, increasing transparency and accountability of local authorities. The President also noted that in recent years a solid infrastructural foundation for rural digitalization has been established. Thousands of rural schools have been connected to high-quality internet, access to digital services is expanding, and the level of self-sufficiency of rural districts continues to grow. These measures create favorable conditions for the introduction of advanced digital solutions in agriculture — from electronic accounting and logistics to online access to public services and educational resources. Special emphasis was placed on the idea that digitalization of rural areas should help narrow the gap in living standards between urban and rural communities. The President underlined that digital technologies have the potential to transform daily life, access to services, and economic opportunities for rural residents. In this context, digitalization is viewed not only as a technological tool, but also as a social instrument aimed at strengthening internal stability and reducing regional disparities. The President’s address directly connects national objectives with global processes. References to large-scale technological initiatives undertaken by leading powers highlight Kazakhstan’s awareness that the technological race is systemic in nature and demands timely and strategic responses. Reforms and Stability: How Kazakhstan Responds to Global Uncertainty Measures to support economic growth, develop the private sector, and expand exports are complemented by political and administrative reforms. This comprehensive approach reflects a clear understanding of the interdependence between economic performance and political stability. At a time of weakening global institutions, Kazakhstan is demonstrating a reform model focused on long-term resilience, business support, and the protection of national interests. New Opportunities for Kazakhstan–Korea Cooperation in Agriculture and Rural Development The ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan’s rural governance, digitalization, and agricultural policy open tangible opportunities for deepening cooperation with the Republic of Korea, particularly in the agro-industrial sector. The combination of strengthened local self-government, increased budgetary autonomy of rural districts, and accelerated digital transformation creates a favorable environment for the introduction of advanced Korean technologies in smart agriculture, agri-processing, irrigation systems, and rural logistics. South Korea’s experience in precision farming, agricultural digital platforms, food processing, and cooperative-based rural development aligns closely with Kazakhstan’s strategic goal of enhancing productivity, value-added production, and export potential in agriculture. These reforms also improve transparency and predictability at the local level, reducing investment risks and enabling Korean companies to engage more actively in regional projects, pilot farms, and joint ventures. As a result, agricultural cooperation can become one of the key pillars of the Kazakhstan–Korea partnership, contributing to food security, sustainable rural growth, and mutually beneficial economic integration. 2026-01-10 22:59:52
  • Musk says Teslas humanoid robot could outperform top surgeons within three years
    Musk says Tesla's humanoid robot could outperform top surgeons within three years SEOUL, January 10 (AJP) - Tesla CEO Elon Musk said humanoid robots could surpass the world’s best human surgeons within three years, arguing that rapid advances in artificial intelligence and robotics will transform healthcare faster than many expect. Musk made the remarks on the “Moonshots” podcast hosted by U.S. physician and engineer Peter Diamandis, outlining his vision for Tesla’s Optimus robot and the future of medical care. “Right now there’s a shortage of doctors and great surgeons,” Musk said. “It takes a super long time to learn how to be a good doctor, and even then, the knowledge is constantly evolving. Doctors have limited time, they make mistakes.” Asked when Optimus could outperform the best surgeons, Musk replied: “Three years. And by the way, that’s three years at scale. There will probably be more Optimus robots that are great surgeons than there are all surgeons on Earth.” The SpaceX founder said the pace of development in humanoid robots should be viewed through what he called “exponential growth” in three areas — AI software capability, AI chip performance and mechanical precision — adding that Optimus could eventually become capable of performing complex procedures more consistently than humans. Some medical experts, however, have questioned Musk’s timeline. Arthur Caplan, a bioethicist at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, told The Independent that the claim that robots could outperform the best human surgeons within three years was “not credible,” citing the complexity of surgery and the difficulty of programming for human variability. Musk’s comments have also sparked debate on social media, where users have clashed over the implications of his remarks. While some expressed concern about the future of medical professions and patient safety, others questioned the credibility of Musk’s predictions, arguing that expectations for humanoid robots are running ahead of current technological reality. The Tesla CEO has previously said Optimus could enter commercial production in 2026, positioning humanoid robots as a central pillar of the company’s long-term strategy alongside electric vehicles and artificial intelligence. 2026-01-10 17:28:26
  • U.S. dietary guidelines recommend kimchi, overhaul federal nutrition advice
    U.S. dietary guidelines recommend kimchi, overhaul federal nutrition advice SEOUL, January 10 (AJP) - The United States government on Friday released updated 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that, for the first time, include fermented foods such as kimchi as part of recommended diets and mark a significant shift in federal nutrition policy. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins jointly unveiled the guidelines at a White House briefing in Washington, saying the recommendations will guide federal nutrition standards over the next five years, including school meals, military food programs and assistance schemes such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The new guidelines emphasize eating whole, minimally processed foods and increasing intake of protein, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. They move away from diets centered on ultra-processed foods and added sugars, which are strongly discouraged, and raise the recommended daily protein intake from 0.8 grams to 1.2–1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. A notable addition in the guidelines is the inclusion of fermented foods — including kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and miso — under recommendations for supporting gut health alongside vegetables and high-fiber foods. The document cites the importance of diverse microbiome health in its dietary guidance. The guidelines also ease past negative assessments of animal-based foods such as red meat, eggs and seafood, and allow consumption of whole-fat dairy products and animal fats, while continuing to caution against dairy products with added sugars. Kennedy described the overhaul as a “return to real food” and part of the government’s broader effort to address chronic disease, which officials say is driven in large part by highly processed diets. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated every five years by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture. The 2025–2030 edition reflects what federal officials described as the most significant reset of national nutrition policy in decades. 2026-01-10 16:27:49
  • North Korea warns South Korea over alleged drone incursions
    North Korea warns South Korea over alleged drone incursions SEOUL, January 10 (AJP) - North Korea on Saturday accused South Korea of sending drones into its airspace last year and earlier this month and warned that Seoul would “pay the price” for what it called repeated violations of its sovereignty. In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, a spokesperson for the North’s military general staff said a South Korean drone was detected on Sunday flying northward over the border area near Ganghwa Island before being shot down and forced to crash near Kaesong. The spokesperson also claimed that another drone launched from Paju in Gyeonggi Province on Sept. 27 last year crossed into North Korean airspace over Hwanghae Province and was brought down through electronic warfare. North Korea said the downed drones carried surveillance equipment and video footage of areas inside the country. South Korea’s defense ministry rejected the claims, saying its military did not operate drones on the dates cited by Pyongyang. “Our military did not conduct any drone operations on the days North Korea claims,” the ministry said on Saturday, adding that the drones shown by North Korea were not models operated by South Korea’s armed forces. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek said the allegations were “completely untrue” and suggested that the two Koreas could conduct a joint investigation if necessary. The presidential office said it convened a National Security Council working-level meeting to assess the situation, adding that President Lee Jae-myung had ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. North Korea said drone activities by South Korea near the border had continued even after a change of government in Seoul, calling the South its “most hostile enemy” and warning that further actions would not be tolerated. 2026-01-10 14:37:59
  • <New Years Greetings> Made-in-India drive and cooperation with South Korea-India
    Made-in-India drive and cooperation with South Korea-India * AJP is pleased to share New Year's greetings from foreign envoys based in South Korea: India In the Year of Red Horse, which signifies freedom, speed and energy, I am confident that the year will bring more momentum to the India-ROK partnership and chart an even more ambitious course for our cooperation in the year ahead. In 2026, India will work even more resolutely for the vision of "Viksit Bharat" (“Developed India”) by 2047. We will focus on inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Manufacturing in a range of sectors from shipbuilding to semiconductors, emerging technologies from green energy to AI, and securing global supply chains will create even more opportunities for bilateral cooperation with the ROK (South Korea.) May the India-RoK “Special Strategic Partnership” continue to herald peace in the world and bring prosperity and progress to our peoples. I hope AJU Press will remain an important partner for the Embassy during our journey. May the spirit of the Red Horse inspire us all to pursue our goals with boundless energy. I wish everyone a very happy, prosperous and a healthy new year! *The author is the Indian Ambassador to South Korea 2026-01-10 12:16:13
  • South Koreas second ESS tender nears as Samsung SDI leads and rivals press safety pitch
    South Korea's second ESS tender nears as Samsung SDI leads and rivals press safety pitch SEOUL, January 10 (AJP) - With just three days left until the proposal deadline, South Korea’s major battery makers are stepping up efforts to win contracts in the second round of the country’s centralized energy storage system (ESS) tender, highlighting safety and technology as key selling points. Industry sources said on Friday that LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On will all submit bids for the tender, with proposals due by Jan. 12 and final selections expected in February. The second ESS project totals 540 megawatts — 500 MW on the mainland and 40 MW on Jeju — with total costs estimated at about 1 trillion won. The facilities are scheduled for completion by December 2027. In the first round, Samsung SDI secured 76 percent of the total volume, while LG Energy Solution took the remainder. SK On failed to win any contracts. Industry officials attributed the outcome in part to Samsung SDI’s strong score in industrial contributions, including domestic production. Fire safety has emerged as a decisive factor in the second tender. The weighting for price evaluation has been lowered to 50 percent from 60 percent, while non-price criteria now account for 50 percent, up from 40 percent. Within that category, points allocated to fire safety were raised to 11 from six. The change is seen as favoring Samsung SDI, which has long emphasized battery safety. The company is promoting its ESS fire-prevention technology and domestic manufacturing base. Its nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) prismatic batteries produced at its Ulsan plant are structurally durable and designed to limit the spread of fires, giving them an edge in safety assessments. Samsung SDI has also highlighted its integrated ESS solution, the Samsung Battery Box (SBB), which recently won a Korea Technology Award for advances in fire safety and cost-reduction technology. The SBB integrates batteries and safety systems into a single 20-foot container. LG Energy Solution, meanwhile, is pitching the safety of its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are known for strong heat resistance and for releasing little oxygen — a key factor in reducing fire and explosion risks. The company said it is the only South Korean battery maker with a large-scale LFP mass-production system and is ramping up domestic output at its Ochang Energy Plant in North Chungcheong Province, a move expected to bolster its score for industrial contribution. SK On, which failed to secure contracts in the first tender, is under pressure to gain ground this time. The company is moving to establish an LFP production line for ESS use, planning to convert part of its electric-vehicle ternary battery facility in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, to serve the ESS market. Han Se-kyung, a professor of electrical engineering at Kyungpook National University, said the second centralized ESS tender is likely to split volumes among established players rather than allow one company to dominate. “As the weight for price evaluation falls and non-price criteria rise, safety will become a more important factor,” Han said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-10 11:02:45
  • UPDATE: Five killed in multi-vehicle crash on Seohae–Yeongdeok Expressway in South Korea
    UPDATE: Five killed in multi-vehicle crash on Seohae–Yeongdeok Expressway in South Korea * Updated with additional information SEOUL, January 10 (AJP) - Five people were killed on Saturday morning after a multi-vehicle collision on the Seohae–Yeongdeok Expressway in South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province, police said. The crashes occurred near the Namsangju interchange in Sangju, involving around 20 vehicles. Police confirmed that four people riding a Sonata sedan were killed, while a truck driver also died in a separate crash near the same area. Traffic has been suspended in both directions near the crash site as authorities carry out recovery operations. Fire officials said they are checking for any additional casualties. Police said slippery road conditions, possibly caused by black ice, may have contributed to the accidents, which appeared to occur almost simultaneously along the stretch of highway. The Sangju city government issued emergency text alerts urging drivers to slow down, maintain safe distances and take extra caution on icy roads, especially on uphill sections and shaded areas. Police said traffic toward Cheongju remains blocked and advised motorists to use national roads as detours. 2026-01-10 10:03:42
  • Sentencing request for Yoon on insurrection charge put off to Jan. 13
    Sentencing request for Yoon on insurrection charge put off to Jan. 13 SEOUL January 10 (AJP) -South Korea’s special prosecutor is expected to make a sentencing request for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of leading an insurrection tied to his brief imposition of martial law in 2024, after a lower court on Friday postponed the final hearing following more than 15 hours of defense arguments that stretched to midnight. The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 25, presided over by Judge Ji Gui-yeon, announced it would hold an additional session on Jan. 13 to hear the prosecution’s final statement and sentencing request, as well as Yoon’s closing defense. Friday’s session, initially scheduled as the trial’s final hearing, overran significantly as defense teams continued reviewing documentary evidence and delivering closing arguments. Lawyers for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who spoke first, spent the bulk of the day examining case materials, delaying subsequent proceedings. Kim’s defense argued that troops dispatched to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission did not commit insurrection or riot, saying soldiers neither restrained civilians nor exercised control, and followed “minimum unarmed and nonviolent principles.” The deployment, they said, was a routine security mission under a joint defense plan. On allegations of intimidation, the defense said service pistols were kept unloaded, with magazines detached and ammunition stored separately under a double-lock system, calling the situation “far from” any use of force. They also argued that accompanying personnel inside election facilities was meant to protect operations, not to conduct surveillance or interrogation. As proceedings dragged on, the court repeatedly raised concerns over fairness and feasibility. Judge Ji said it was “realistically difficult” to conclude arguments in a single day given the volume of materials, stressing the need to protect defendants’ rights while ensuring procedural efficiency. With midnight approaching, the court decided to end the session after all defendants except Yoon completed their arguments, postponing Yoon’s final statement and the prosecution’s sentencing request to Jan. 13. Yoon’s legal team objected to delivering key arguments late at night, citing the expanded scope of the case after recent amendments to the indictment. The special prosecutor’s team, led by Cho Eun-suk, said it had prepared to conclude proceedings Friday but agreed to the delay, citing physical limits after the prolonged hearing. Prosecutors have accused Yoon of masterminding an insurrection and could seek the death penalty or life imprisonment under South Korean law if he is found guilty. South Korea, however, has followed an unofficial moratorium for nearly three decades and has not carried out an execution since 1997. During hearings, prosecutors alleged that Yoon and then Defense Minister Kim began devising a plan as early as October 2023 to suspend the National Assembly and seize legislative authority. They further alleged that Yoon sought to label political opponents — including then opposition leader Lee Jae Myung — as “anti-state forces” and detain them. Prosecutors also claim the former president and Kim attempted to manufacture a pretext for declaring martial law by escalating tensions with North Korea through a covert drone operation, an allegation denied by the defense. Although the attempted imposition of martial law lasted only about six hours before collapsing, the move shocked Asia’s fourth-largest economy and elsewhere in the world as Korea posed as a key U.S. security ally long regarded as one of the region’s most resilient democracies. At the Jan. 13 hearing, the court plans to hear Yoon’s final defense, followed by the prosecution’s sentencing request, final statements from the defendants and the formal close of arguments. A verdict is widely expected in early February. 2026-01-10 08:44:42